Uterine cavity imaging, volume estimation and quantification of degree of deformity using automatic volume calculation: description of technique

The availability of non-invasive imaging techniques that allow evaluation of the uterus in the coronal plane, such as three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, should improve diagnosis of uterine anomalies. However, current definitions for uterine morphology are controversial, which is a key limitation of studies evaluating the effectiveness of interventions for women with such conditions1, 2. Uterine cavity volume estimation could potentially aid in identifying abnormal uteri, evaluating the extent of intrauterine adhesions and quantifying surgical treatment results. Imaging the uterine cavity might be useful for classifying uterine anomalies and detecting adhesions. We present here a simple and novel technique for assessing uterine cavity volume and shape using sonohysterography and automatic volume-calculation software, SonoAVC general (GE Healthcare Ultrasound, Milwaukee, WI, USA), referred to as the SonoHysteroAVC technique. We hypothesize that visualization of the uterine cavity using automatic volume calculation (Figure 1) would improve diagnostic accuracy in and management of women with different morphological shapes of the uterine cavity. However, the reliability and validity of this method need to be assessed in prospective studies5. Whether the resulting images and volume measurements contribute to better understanding of uterine morphology and the relationship between uterine cavity volume, normal and abnormal uterine cavity shape and reproductive failure should be evaluated1, 2. Finally, refinement and testing of the newly proposed morphological indices for classification of uterine distortions (Figure 2) should be performed. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.